Christ. Children. Constructivism.

Our Christian Montessori conversation could start here. Grab a cup of coffee or chai tea and settle in for a connection about things that matter most. Here's where you will be comforted that you are not alone. Let's chat- shall we?

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

I’ve spent most of my mothering life dreading the moment
that my children will leave my “nest.”Woven
into almost every lullaby, nighttime prayer, and sentiment was the message that
I didn’t want my babies to grow up and leave me – ever.

I watched an American Robin couple and their four little
eggs hatch and develop a few years ago. Mother Robin decided on a nook of our
porch, just feet outside of my kitchen window.Day by day as I washed and dried my dishes, I watched the Mother Robin,
and Father Robin, since both are active in the building, feeding and
protecting, build their nest together, strand-by-strand, twig-by-twig.Bits of grass, twigs, paper and feathers,
smeared with mud, and lined with a cushion of cotton wood tree fluff, constituted
the little nest built with such care.Then came the laying, the sitting, and the waiting.14 days passed by before the hatching of
those “Martha Stewart Robin Blue” eggs began.Soon, four little bald, blind, and squeaking heads appeared, crying for
something.Mother Robin and Father Robin
would both tend to the babies with tireless care.It became their full-time job. Dashing to and
fro from the porch to the woods finding invertebrates like insects, worms, and
caterpillars to feed the baby birds that seem to never be satisfied.Of course, the changing of the little
“diapers” totally amused me.The babies
would lift up their bottoms and the little white pouch would be disposed
quickly by the parents.The nest would
remain clear of all waste.

The babies grew.Bigger and bigger. I couldn’t really believe they all fit in that little
round nest.Then the flying lessons
began.Not just a one and done.Little by little Mother Robin would take them
out on short flight missions.It takes
about fourteen days of the fledging flight patterns until they feel secure with
their own wings. Soon Birdie One left and didn’t return.And then it continued. Birdie Two and then
Three.Until only the smallest Baby Bird
remained.Reluctant to leave or spread
its unsure wings, it sat.Mother Robin
coached.She continued to feed and prod
the bird. And one day, finally, the little birdie flew.Well, actually it fell.Off the porch.Not good at spreading and using those tiny wings
yet. But Mother Robin was there at the crash site and, I can only guess, gave
some birdy-type kisses and the little bird gave it another try.Soon the nest was empty and my little-over-one-month
of enlightenment and education was over.

That cinched it for me.I would fight the inevitable empty nest.How horrible.How lonely.
One by
one the off-spring leave never to return.

But as my mothering life has unfolded and reality has been
fused with expectation, I have discovered that although Robins experience an
empty nest, Humans rarely do.

I am just saying that things aren’t as dismal as I first
imagined.Our human nests really never
empty. Not completely. Not if we keep the “welcome home” sign posted. There
always the coming and going and the coming again.Always a reason to keep home improving, It
doesn’t have to be “bye, bye birdie” as the phrase “empty nest” suggest.

I had all three of my little birdies home this summer.I begged my husband for a new sofa set –
wanting the “nest” to feel just right as our college daughter, Madeline,
returned from her freshman year and Brock returned from his junior hockey
season.DIY projects included finishing off a bathroom
for Meredith, creating an herb garden so I could have fresh basil for our
mozzarella caprese, hanging a fan in Brock’s room so he could stay cool and
comfortable, and finally adding slate tile to a floor covered in worn linoleum for
when my husband’s muddy shoes return from his various construction projects.I guess we all have that “nesting” instinct
that never, ever goes away. Improving the nest is one of my greatest pleasures.

Brock just suggested that we consider “re-nesting”.He would like a game room, a fire pit in the
backyard, and a hang out place for his friends in the summer.He obviously has big plans for our next nest.

Empty Nesting is a choice I guess- you can look for new ways to welcome the
birds back into your nest, realizing that families are forever. Mother Robins
build one nest, lay one brood, and say “good-bye” at the end of about four
weeks.Not so with us.We can continue the progression of the nest,
preparing for changing seasons, the re-creating and the re-organizing of the
nest to make it just right for the birdies and their buddies. And eventually, one day, God-willing, those
tiny grand-birdies.

I made dinner for Brock for the last time before he heads to
college tomorrow.He returned from
working out at the YMCA at 10:00 pm.Hungry again, just like those baby birds.Thankfully I had avocado, chicken breast. Broccoli
and blueberries on hand – all his favorites.Greatest compliment?The dinner plate
makes his Snap Chat story and he says “Wow – thanks Mom.”

I am so glad the nest is tight and full for one more night.
And I will dream of more nest-filling adventures with flights home and flights
away into the big, beautiful world.

P.S. After discussing this blog idea with my high school friend, and now colleague, Sharon, she told me that a phrase she liked using was the "open nest." Aha! I thought! That is the new language for today's mother in tune to the changing seasons. The open nest...yes!

Go to sleep my little
one

Gone the day and set
the sun

Go to sleep my little
one

And sleep until the
morning

And sleep until the
morning

Come my sweet one,
take your rest

Like a birdie in its
nest

Come my sweet one,
take your rest

And sleep until the
morning

And sleep until the
morning

One of my favorite Dorian German Lullabies from
Musikgarten

I sang this with all three babies and love it still

My three children painted me this picture entitled "Bird Love"
If you look carefully, you shall see
Brock's handprint in the wing,
Madeline's handprints in the sun,
and Meredith's handprints in the butterfly.

Friday, July 29, 2016

It
was always in my heart to be a teacher.Ever since I could remember, I was lining up the chairs, putting my
dolly and teddy bears in row, grabbing chalk and giving a lesson.Yes, teaching was in my heart. When I became
a mother, I made plans early to send my child to a “home school academy.”This approach was a new paradigm, a new educational
model in Minnesota.Although it was met
with some hesitancy and hostility, we forged ahead, infringing on old norms and
forming a blend of two models into one.A true parent-school partnership emerged. For me, the only “community
education model” that was compatible with homeschooling was Montessori.It was a must-have. Montessori, with its multi-aged, individually
paced, and interest-based learning, was the perfect compliment to homeschooling
benefits. Below you will find an amazing list, written by Samantha, a
homeschooled, teen blogger. The same
reasons she loves homeschooling are the same reasons we love Montessori.It is a perfect blend – the best of both
worlds.

1. I am excelling
academically.

2.
I learn at my own pace.

4. I have no pointless
homework.

5. I have no pointless
busy-work.

6. I learn beyond
textbooks and study my passions and areas of interest.

7. Textbooks are not my
only, nor my primary, learning tool.

9. As a visual analytical
learner, curriculum is customized to fit my needs.

11.
I have more time to focus on the areas I need help with, and I can breeze
through the “easy” stuff.

15. Students are primarily
scored on English and Math, therefore History and Science are looked on as
low priority. As a history nerd, I cringe at this thought.

17.
We have a lower student-to-teacher ratio.

20. We have no Common Core
or No Child Left Behind.

21. I love politics and
current events and probably wouldn’t fare well with liberal political teachers.

22. I am not subject to
political correctness, indoctrination and political propaganda about religion
and history.

23. I am a critical
thinker, and I am allowed to think beyond the box in my homeschool.

24. We don’t have to get
vaccines!

29.
We have no “fuzzy math” (Is 5 + 5 REALLY 10? Or is it 11?)

31. Socialization is not
the primary reason a person goes to school.

32. I’m
an entrepreneur – I don’t socialize, I network.

36. I get along with my
sisters decently well.

40. I have extra time to
pursue passions, like blogging and entrepreneurship! :)

41. I learn life skills,
such as cooking, cleaning, and money management.

So,
if you feel called to homeschooled and teaching is in your heart – as it was in
mine – you have come to the right place.They say that the one who teaches, learns twice.Welcome to the adventure where you can teach
and learn as well!

When you reach the proper age
I will teach you to read and you can turn the pages
How to dress and tie your shoes
Your one plus ones, and your two times two's
And you'll teach me
Of hearts and dreams
And all the most important things
And all that i have lost along the way
And I can't wait

As you grow, I'll show you things
How to ride your bike and kick your legs out on the swings
To fold your hands and bow your head
How to say your prayers before you go to bed
And you'll teach me
Of hearts and dreams
And all the most important things
And all that I have lost along the way
And I can't wait

How do you sleep so peacefully?
How do you trust unflinchingly?
How do you love so faithfully?
How do you dance so joyfully?
Oh you'll teach me
Of hearts and dreams
And all the most important (essential) things
And all that i have lost along the way
And I can't
No I can't
Come teach me
Of love and dreams
And all the most essential thing
And all that I have lost along the way
Cause I can't wait Click here to listen to this inspiration song by yes, my favorite artist, Sara Groves.

Thursday, May 12, 2016

2016 seems to be the most hectic year ever. Imagine being a young person, under 18 years old. Gone are the days when you could play outside in your neighborhood, riding bikes around and coming home by dinner time. Gone are your many "focal point" activities of knitting, sewing, scrapbooking (with actual scissors), washing dishes by hand or hanging clothes on a clothes-line. Free play is lost. Now you have play dates. No more vacant lots for kick-the-can and pick-up-baseball. Now we have organized sport teams. No more crawling around the station wagon while in motion. Now you are strapped into a car seat until you are eight and a seatbelt until you are eighty. It is a good thing - because you live in the car now. You don't get up and change the dial on your larger-than-life TV instead everyone in the family has their own device. No more waiting patiently until Thursday night when "The Walton Family" aired at 7:00 pm and everyone gathered around - now you can binge-watch whatever show you have the hankering for at any moment. It is more than "good night John Boy" it is really good-bye. And people are even confused about what bathroom to use...yep, it's pretty hectic.

It is our job, one of our most important jobs, as educators and parents to keep the wildly spinning world very, very quiet and still for our developing children. They actually crave peace but cannot find it without our help. We must create patterns and processes of life that help children become peaceful. So I ask...

If you are looking for ways to reclaim peace for your children and restore peace in your home, here's a list that I have adapted from Donna Bryant Goertz’s book Children Who Are Not Yet Peaceful - pages 122 & 123.

1. "Establish a slow-placed lifestyle" with attention to the "five fuel sources": sleep, water, food, movement, and love. These five things nourish the limbic part of the brain that controls emotion. When our base needs are satisfied, we are rational.

3. "Read to the child, aloud," chapter books that are several years beyond the child’s reading level, for at least 20-30 minutes. Reading paints pictures in the mind and allows character development to transpire by the images invoked.

4. "Recite poetry every day, a new poem every week." Repetition brings harmony (it is a design principle).

5. "Sing every day, a new song every week." Music is healing to the soul. It is by nature, music is worshipful and we humans need it. We were created for worship.

6. "Tell delightful stories of the child’s own life". Share stories of your own history and the child’s heritage. Stories are the threads that keep us from unraveling. It reminds us of our past and gives us a hope for the future.

7. "Foster an atmosphere of open curiosity and inquiry" which treasures learning and interest. Truly rediscover your child's innate passions - and then feed the passion. If this passion includes anything virtual, redirect it towards reality.

8. "Let the child have responsibility in the home" in meal preparation, caring for animals, tending to gardens and plants and taking care of his/her own things. It may take longer and make a bigger mess but it helps children develop ownership.

9. "Impose a two-hour weekly limit to all forms of screen time." Screen time reconfigures the brain. This is imperative for a peaceful child to have limits on virtual activities.

10. "Give freedom to the child from being dragged around on errands". Take them home instead. Down time is very, very important. Time to tinker. Time to do nothing.

12. "Say “no” cheerfully and mean it". Do not allow there to be “yellow zones” - only red and green. Set boundaries and offer freedom within the boundaries. Neuro-science confirms that young minds need this.

13. "Wait until children are in bed for adult news, movies, music and social media". Protect your children from the information overload and over-exposure to mature content and violence.

14. "Establish a child-rearing culture that supports age-appropriate independent thought and decision-making" in as many areas as possible and as often as possible. Constructivism is the wonderful place to start practicing these principles.

The Holy Scripture says "Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called the children of God." Peace is more than just an unobtainable ideal. Peace is a person - Jesus. We can actually invite Him into our hearts and homes and ask Him to help us. In a fallen world with so much brokenness, we need the Prince of Peace. He offers peace that surpasses all understanding. May we all take one step away from the hectic today into a more peaceful tomorrow. For the sake of our children.

Saturday, April 2, 2016

“Hi Tennis Shoes! It has been a
while.” I was inspired by my youngest child to take up running (or
in my case, jogging) last summer.A long
time ago, in an era I could refer to as B.C. (before children), I was an active,
sweat-loving, aerobic-craving athlete.That characterization abandoned me when the word “placenta” entered my
vocabulary.Now after almost two
decades, I felt ready to dust off my tennis shoes and once again return to
some-version of my former self. There is definitely something to that euphoric
feeling and a runner’s high every time you hit the pavement and your tennis
shoes find their destiny.

You might call my running a “fascination”.But my youngest, Meredith, age 16, has taken
up running with a “passion.”She just completed her first Half-Marathon last month. Standing at the finish line, cheering her on, I thought…She has fought for this. She preserved. She finished the race. She received two medals – one for being a “finisher” and one for “2nd place” (20 years and younger category), along with her friend, who came in 1st by a few seconds.

There is a
big difference between her and me. None of my casual, jogging-on-the-weekends stuff. Meredith, who
began running last spring in track at her high school, hasn’t stopped
running. She trains 6 days out of 7 days
meaning that her routines often involve time in the weight room, an abdominal
workout, and running 4, 6, 8, or 10 miles per day – depending on her selected
routine. She loves Nike, and Lulu, and smoothies with kale. She is
“all in!”

Celebrating over lunch, after her big race, along with friends, family and fans, we discussed the reason why the Christian Life is often compared to a race. Holy Scripture refers to the concept of a
running, racing, prize-receiving over a dozen times. Why is this? What is the
connection? What are the life lessons actually learned in your
tennis shoes?

To best answer this I must refer to an awesome sermon
preached by Executive Pastor Bart Scharer from Substance Church after he had
finished the Iron Man Race. (You can enjoy the unabridged version by visiting https://vimeo.com/148660445or www.substancechurch.com). Here are the lessons that he learned in his tennis shoes. The points are his –
the commentaries and takeaways are mine. These are truths for running an
earthly race as well as an eternal one.

Enjoy the race.After months of training, the race itself
actually goes by fast. So enjoy it.Look
around.Smell the air.Breathe in the atmosphere. Enjoy yourself! Philippians 2:16 Holding
fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory
because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

Run your race.This speaks to the individualism in the
pacing and approach.You must customize
this race.Choose your own gear. Set
your timing. Stick with your game plan.Don’t be thrown off by those around you doing something different.Stick to your training plan. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I
have finished the course, I have kept the faith;

Just keep moving.The only way to get through this is just
keeping your feet moving. Can’t run? Trying skipping. Or Walking.Whatever you need to do – just keep moving. Galatians 5:7 You were running well; who hindered
you from obeying the truth?

Look for your family and fans.At checkpoints, it is not uncommon to see
signs and hear the cheers.Look for them
along the way.They are your supporters.They are your cheerleaders.Look for them and rely on them for that boost
of energy as things get hard! Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we have so great
a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance
and the sin, which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the
race that is set before us,

Be intentional about what you think
about.Your thought life is
critical during the race.This is often
the difference between finishing strong and petering out.Your thoughts.Losing yourself in positive scenarios, good
music, and uplifting self-talk is a difference maker.Galatians 2:2 It was because of a revelation
that I went up; and I submitted to them the gospel, which I preach among the
Gentiles, but I did so in private to those who were of reputation, for fear
that I might be running, or had run, in vain.

Practice daily disciplines.You just don’t wake up and run an Iron Man or
a marathon or even a 5K for that matter.You have to do the little things right. Everyday matters as the little
choices add up to the big ones. This is probably the hardest part of the race –
the most simple, obscure, mundane work.Away from the crowds, it is what you do with your private time that
really counts.

I Timonthy 4:8Physical training is good, but training for
godliness is much better, promising benefits in this life and the life to come.

Get a coach – trust your trainer.Everyone needs an example, a role model, a
mentor.You need to find someone who can
set up a plan and help you stick to it.They hold your feet down during the sit-ups.They get in your face and tell you “one more
– you can do this!”They are the ones
who let you know “there’s more in you! Keep going!”Hebrews 12:2Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the
author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the
cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of
God.

Look for the miraculous.Miracles happen everyday.There are moments when you don’t know how you
even did what you did- but you know it was a “God-thing!”He actually is alive, active and
available.He loves to be involved in
miracles as the race is happening.Look
for them.Only the seekers find them. 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 Do you not
know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run
in such a way that you may win. Everyone who competes in the games exercises
self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but
we an imperishable. Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim;

Take one step today.Everyone can start with one step – just move
in the right direction.If you sit on
the couch, get up and take a walk around your house.If you walk – try weights. If you jog – speed
up. If you run – find a race in which to compete!Challenge your self to take one positive step
today toward your goal. Philippians 3:14 I press on
toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

Together, as friends, let’s put on our tennis shoes and do
this exercise-thing together.Seriously,
we are going to have a HIH bike/run/walk in October 2016 – so stay tuned on our
training schedule.Let’s do this thing
called life together and run “the race” set before us, keeping our
eyes on Jesus, and our feet moving towards heaven.

Fitting song for this blog - Click here to enjoy a new
release from Sara Groves “On Your Mark”
with the original dance choreography by my daughter, Madeline Thompson for her spring dance showcase.

Sunday, February 14, 2016

It was the first time I had been into Victoria’s
Secret. I crossed the threshold with my
mom, yes, prim and proper Mrs. Lee, the summer before my wedding. She was bringing me to this special lingerie
store to pick out my negligee for my wedding night and other fancy items for my
honeymoon in Hawaii. Standing at the counter with all the sweet smelling perfumes, she reminded me there, as she
had done many times before,

Our wedding day with our parents

<3Always say no before you are married, and
always say yes afterwards.

This must be Victoria’s Secret? It certainly was Mrs. Lee’s
and others who shared some common truth about being happily married.

It seems fitting on Valentine’s Day to share some more
“not-so-secret-but-often-hidden” thoughts with you about creating a real life
fairy tale romance.Besides the secret
shared in the first paragraph (perhaps the most helpful one of all) here’s some
other ideas. These are shared in no particular order, are in no way exhaustive,
and may or may not speak to you in your relationship.They are simply observations that I have
witnessed with one truly happy wife….

My parent's wedding day

<3 Put on your
lipstick.Funny, but my mom
literally did this. Her perfume, too.My
dad would call before he left the office, which gave my mom about 15 minutes.She would hurry down to her bathroom and
primp herself. She wanted to look her best for her husband everyday. Not just
dressing up on a special occasion, but day in and day out. She would also tidy
the house and make sure my brother and I were ready to greet my dad with
smiles.

<3 Get out of
dad’s chair.My dad has always had
his favorite chair in all the houses they have lived.Mom made sure that if we sat in it during the
day, it was open and ready for dad when he was at home. She treated it like the
throne of the house and dad was the king of the castle. My mom, in turn, was the queen, no doubt about it.

<3 Kiss a
looooooooong time.You know if your
kids are embarrassed, you are probably kissing long enough.This was my parents for sure.My mom, with her lipstick and perfume, would
wait somewhere in the kitchen. When my dad came home from work they played some
kind of hide and seek game, which ended in some serious kissing. My brother and
I would always moan in disgust, but inside, we were smiling. The best gift a
dad can give his kids is to love their mother. And do you know that there is statistical evidence that kissing longer makes you happier?

<3 Set up and
stick to your household jobs.It
takes a lot to manage a family. So many details. It is good to have a basic
spoken understanding of who takes out the trash, does the dishes, cooks the
food, carpools the children, pays the bills, picks up the mail and a thousand
of other tiny tasks.It seems that my
parents flowed through their days with firm understanding, and they were both
every responsible to complete the tasks with joy and excellence. There simply
was no bickering about these little things. If necessary, hire a housekeeper. It helps, especially if the wife works outside the home.

<3 Pick up his
socks. My mom really modeled this and preached it often.She would tell me, “when you are tempted to
complain about picking up your husband’s socks, be thankful you have husband
who has socks to pick up.”It was her
way of demonstrating grateful servitude.I think of it often.Appreciate
what you have and serve one another with joy.

<3 Work out
together.My parents took a daily
walk together. All seasons.It was not
only a time of worthwhile wellness but also a chance to talk and catch up on
the day or start the day out with priorities.

<3 Read the Bible
and pray. I can still see my father’s brown leather Bible with the yellow
satin page marker open at his place at the breakfast table.It was here he would read a verse or two and
then wrap us, my mother, brother and me, in his loving arms and pray over us
before beginning the day. It only took about 2-3 minutes, but it became
monumental. This loving blessing was a foundational feature in my home and in
my heart.

<3 Say thank you.My mom did not take my dad for granted in
anyway, but she was especially grateful for his financial support of the family.She often encouraged us to thank our daddy
for dinner (even though she made it, he bought it), driving us, getting cars,
taking trips, our clothes – she was constantly prompting us to thank him.She also opening showed her gratitude to him
verbally.

hand in hand, best friends for life

<3 Trust his heart.
One of the deep, unspoken messages is that my dad’s heart was good and he was
trying to do the right thing. Everyone makes mistakes. Things are said. Things are left undone. Forgive quickly and don't doubt that they are trying to do the right thing. This is paramount in a loving, trusting relationship.

<3 Respect his
decisions. Right or wrong, it is important to honor his position. I
witnessed my mother give full esteem to my father. It seems this is where the
whole “submit to your husband” gets muddled into 21st century lingo
and litigation.But in the most pure
form, honoring your mate is really honoring the Lord.

You might read this and think that it is all going “one
way.”What about the husband’s “to do”
list???

Celebrating 25 years with our parents
who were both celebrating 50 years

There are a few reasons for this. First, you can only
control yourself.You can’t make your
husband respond in a certain way but you can certainly give 100% of your
efforts. Second, these actions, repeated over and over with sincerity, sow a
certain kind of seed.You do reap what
you sow. And when you sow these kinds of seeds, you reap an incredible harvest
of love and devotion. Third, my mom would often joke, that “men are all the
same. God only gave them different faces so we could tell them apart.” This
wasn’t meant to be insulting, just true :)

Well, it looks like the little things are the big things after
all. Married for 25 years to my best friend for life, I am a very happy wife. I often remark "I am living the dream in the life we are creating." So, happy Valentine’s Day from me and my mom (my wise and wonderful mentor). A fairy tale, romantic life and marriage is truly possible with God's help and grace. Now
the secret is out.

P.S. Just a word to any reader who is in a troubled marriage... I understand in a fallen world there are circumstances where abuse and adultery and other unforeseen tragedies can damage the marriage bed and relationship. May my message fall gently on you and may God grant you grace if this is your story. May there be no guilt, but only mercy for missteps. God has a bright hope and a future for you, beloved.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O1KsGtMZ9HI Click here to listen one of my favorite love songs by Steven Curtis Chapman. Brent and I listened to this during our engagement and sang it loudly in his black Ford Bronco. We had it played during a memory-video at our Wedding Reception. It still makes smile and cry all at the same time.

Wednesday, January 27, 2016

Her flight was due to
arrive in Minneapolis at ten o’clock at night.I was bouncing up and down on my tiptoes as I saw her round the corner
the Airport Terminal #2.My college girl
was coming home for Christmas break; home for, what I was calling,
30-Days-of-Fun.We stayed up that first
night and talked into the wee-hours of the morning.She talked, I listened.Listened to her reflections on her first time
being away from home, living in a suite with new people, struggling to find the
balance of studying and playing at the beach, choosing wisely – both friends
and activities. What she now believed about herself, her life, and God.

I listened to her
becoming. Yes!That’s what that was in
the middle of night.I recognized it and
I pondered the things she was saying in my heart.

“Kids grow up so
fast!”It wasn’t that long ago my
red-headed princess was just born at 2:34 in the morning in May, learning to
walk, running about in pigtails, playing Legos with her siblings, eating dinner
each night at my table, telling me about her day, dancing at Celebrate Dance
studio three nights a week, attending her youth group every Wednesday, packing
a lunch, washing her clothes, curling her hair by her ballet mirror, spinning a
pirouette on my kitchen floor, reading her Story of the World chapter,
memorizing a Bible passage for Verses For Life, going to her first school
dance, being named a captain of her dance team, leading worship at her High
School graduation, dancing with her sister at her senior dance recital, leaving
for college – I was losing her!My little girl was growing up and she wasn’t just
mine anymore!

Remember the story about
young Jesus who was 12 years old and went to visit Jerusalem for the first time
for Passover? 3 days later, on the way home, Mary and Joseph realized they lost
Jesus!Pure panic.Can you imagine in a Roman dominated culture
the realization that Jesus was missing? When they found him, in the temple,
with Jewish Rabbis, discussing the scriptures, they asked him a question that
all parents ask – for which there is no answer “Why did you do this to
us?”Jesus looked surprised and answered,
“Why were you looking for me? Didn’t you know I need to be about my Father’s business?” (Matthew 2:41-52).

It was after sharing this
story in Family Preschool a few years ago that I had my own epiphany moment
that this is the essence of “becoming.” We need to release our children into their own
destiny and mission. They actually leave our home, our Nazareth places, our
comfort zones, and sometimes, our time zones, to be about the Father’s business. We
don’t really lose them – they are finding themselves.Finding their own purpose on the planet.

How does it happen?How does a person become himself or
herself?Better yet- become like Jesus?It is a slow, unnoticeable growth.Measured not by a ruler like height, but in
invisible increments of character. When is a soul shaped? How can a parent be
more aware of it and be more intentional? How can we really practice the idea
that God gave children THRU us not TO us?They are not ours – they are God’s.They are sent to discover a special mission on planet earth. How can we
do this with grace?Well, we could…

Tell them
about Jesus.

Tell them
stories about when they were little. About when you were little. Stories are
powerful and they build security in us as humans.

Take them to
church. Worship with them. Leading by example is best.

Pray for
them.Pray with them. Keep praying.
Never stop praying.

Ask them –
“what do you need?”Do your best to
respond to their needs and meet them.

Forgive them
when they make a mistake.Forgive
yourself when you make one.Have a
grace-filled home that is filled with mercy and truth.

Be a good
listener.Be a good observer.Watch the becoming and be in awe that God is
creating someone special right before your very eyes.

The next morning, after
Madeline returned from college and we had our middle-of-the-night talk, a
faithful song artist, who seems to sing the soundtrack of my life, sang the song
“Signal” on her new CD.It took on
entirely new meaning as I realized I was looking eye to eye with my 18-year-old
daughter, who was growing up.She was
discovering her own new path and her signal was getting louder. She is singing
her own song.I sang the words loudly as
I cried under the power of the moment. She was leaving our Nazareth, going
about her Father’s Business. Becoming.

P.S. We had thirty days of fun for sure, and they included more
singing aloud, with harmony, to Sara Groves. Here are the things we did around
the Twin Cities.I would think a 2 year
old, 12 year old or 20 year old would enjoy many of these. It is a great way to
enjoy “the becoming!”

About Me

Devoting my life's work to children and educational reform and devoting my life to Christ and singing songs only for Him - is an introduction to who I am. I am also blessed to be the wife of one, daughter to two, mother of three, family to several and friend to many.